Gas-exploded ordnance.



HAMILTON.

' GAS EXLODED ORDNANGE.

I APPLXCATIGN ,LPILED MAR. 24, l 0, I @mamma may so, 1911 1 SHEHTPSHBET a E. H. HAMILTON. GAS BXPLODBD ORDNANCB.

, APPLICATION' ILED MAR. 24, 1910. ggg Patented May 30,1911.-

4 'I SHHETS-SHEET @Hornets s, 1 we u Foz,

? mmm@ E. H. HAMILTON.

GAS EXPLODED ORDNANCH APPLICATION PILBD humm, 19m

Patgnte May' 30, 1911.

SHEET 5 E. H. HAMILTON. GAS BXPLODBD ORDNANGE. APPLIUATXON ULEB MAB. 24, 1910,

Patented May 30, l.

SRS@ SHozncxg E. H. HMLT". GAS EXPLODED UHUNANCE. AyPLIGATIoN PILED 1111111.24. 1910,

Patented May 30, 1911.

llozum,

STAFF@ GAS-EXPLUDED OBDNANCE.

assess.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented ivray so, reir.

Application filed. March 24, 1916. s Serial No. 551,330.

To all whom ir' may concern:

lle it known that l. ERNEST H. HAMILTON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kilgore in the countylot Gregg and State of Texas, have invented a new and useful Gas-Exploded Ordnance. of which the following is a specification. i v

The invention relates to exploded ordnance. v

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and eilicient gas gun, which will be powerful. smokeless and positive in its operation, and adapted to reduce the expense and lessen the danger of firing guns.

A further object of the invention is'to provide a gun of this character, Which after a projectile or shell has been placed in the barrel of the gun. will be automatic 'in operation. and equipped with mechanism for supplying a charge of explosive aeriform iiuid to the l reech ot the gun. and for compressingr such explosive and igniting the charge after lhesainc has been compressed.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consirts/ ln the construction and novel combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. and pointed outy in the claims hereto appended; it being understood' that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details'of construction. .within the scope of the claims` may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any oi2 the advantages of the invention.

In the drawings Figure l is a plan view of the gas gun. constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. Q i's a side elevation of the samen Fig. 23 is a similar view, showing the other side orP the gun. Fig. 4j rear elevation of the gas gun. Fig. 5 is horizontalertional view. takensubstantially on the line of Fig. 2. Fig. G is a central 'longitudinal sectional view. Fig. T j' L, side vicvv,` partly in section, illustrating the mechanism for opening and closing tue hinged door or closure of the compression ..n-.nnbe'rf Fig. 8 is a detail trai'isverse sectional View on the lline 8MS ot' Fig. Fig. t? is a similar vievv on the line 9%.() of Fig'. 2. Fig. l0 a-detail horizontal sectional view on the line lO-lO of Fig. (S. Fig. ll is a transverse sectional view ot' the carburetor. Fig. l2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same. Fig. 13 is a reverse plan view of a portion of the carbureter. illustrating the arrangement of the opposite spray pipes or tubes. Fig. 14 is a detail perspective view` of the reciprocatory rack bar. Fig. 'l5 is a perspective view of the hinged door or closureof the compression chamber. Fig. 16 is a detail sectional vieivon the line .1G-1G of Fig. 5, illustrating the construction of the front guide of the longitudinal plunger actuating rack bar. Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail perspective view of the arm of the air valve.

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures' of the drawings.

in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 1 designates the barrel of the gun, which is designed to be constructed of different calibcrs. The barrel of the un is provided at the breech with a cylin rical compression chamber 2, tapered at the front end to the bore 3 of the barrehand adapted to receive a charge of explosive gas, which is compressed by a main longitudinal piston Il sind laterally reciprocatable auxiliary pistons 5. The auxiliary pistons, which are designed for use on large or heavy guns, may be dis- .pensed with on the smaller class 'of guns. The bore 3 of the barrel of the gun is provided vvith a'sinooth projectile receiving portion 6, and it is riiied therefrom to the muzzle. A shell or projectile 7 is placed in the barrel of the gun, being introduced l through an opening 8 at the top of the compression chamber, and any suitable mechanism of the ordinary' construction may be employed for handling the projectile 7 to place tliesanie in the barrel of the gun. The shell or projectile 7 is preferably provided at its rear end With aY concavity 9 in order to enable it to receive the full eect ot the force of the explosive, and ity is pref erably equipped at its rear portion with one or more bands l0 of soft metal, adapted to form an air tight packing or tit to prevent escape of the aeriform fluid While the sameI is being compressed by the pistons. The metallic band is of slightly greater diameter than the body of the projectile7 which lies 105 to be `forced into the smooth portion (i of the bore.

.The projectile is held in the here of the.l

barrel during the compression stroke of the istons 4- end 5 by ineens of a catch, which 1n the present form of the invention, consiste ofA a'pin 11, mounted in en opening 12 of the barrel and having en inner engaging terminal 1 3, adapted to extend into the here of the herrel and engage the annuler groove le of the projectile. The groove le, which extends iffntirely 'around the projectile to'enable it to he engaged at any point, is located in advance of the soit metal hands l0, und it forms s. shoulder, which engages with the catch for holding "the shell or Aprojectile in position. The pin l is actuated lin, its outward movement by coiled spring i5, hearing et itsinner end against eshoulder 1G of the borrel of the gun end having its outer end engaging the pin. The locking' pin l1 is held in engagement with the groove of the projectile by e lever i7, pivoted et en intermediate 7Qoint to' the barrel of the gun by e 'pin '18, or other suitable ineens, and having one arm arranged to engage the locking pin. The locking. pin is preferably pro vided at 'its outer end. with en annuler groove 19 to receive the engaging erm of the lever, and the letter, which may he of hell crank form, lies its other end arranged in the-peth of n tripping erm 20, which is timed to release ythe lockingA pin simultaneously with the operation of the ineens for circled-v ing the compressed. clierge of ges. The engegingerm of 'the lever i preereoly operates Within s, suitable er QLhut it may beA mounted 'in any' other .lesired manner, end

'insteed of employing the ineens shown for .releasing 'the projectile, any other suitable mechanism muy be used for withdrawing the locking device from engagement `with the projectile.

'-.lhe main piston 4:, Which is cylindrical, estende through e cylindrical opening' 23 iny the reer wall of the compression-chamber, end it is equipped 'with suitable pecking rings 2li to provide en ,eir tight tit' end pre- 1 vent oscene of the ges. The euriliery coin.- pression pistons `5 are preferably operated in lsterelly 'extending oylinders, located et opposite sides of Athe compression cheniheij und communicating et their inner ends 'with the seme.` The laterally extending pistons, which erei provided with suitable pecking rings 26, -lieve concave inner ends 27, edeptedto form e continuation of the well of the compression chamber and com plete the seine et the inner ends of the cylinders 2.5, when the auxiliary pistons ere at the limit of their inward movement. rllhis inward movement oi the auxiliary pistons is conipleted before the iront end of the mein lonffitudi'nelly reciprocetehle piston hes entire y moved pest the auxiliary y ,isions, so that the latter cannot operate to pocket any of the ges. 'l`lie1nsi.n piston, which completes the compression o .,the

charge, is moved forwardly: or inwardly to e point beyond the opening 8 before the gun is discharged, end e hinged door or closureA 28, which normally covers the seid opening' 8, is not subjected to anyof the pressure 7o resulting from the discharge of Iche coml pressed ges. Iljhe door or closure 28, which is connected st'its front edge with the herrel by suitehle hinges 29, is lei; into recesses in the side Walls of the compression chuznher, und it has en inner reduced depending portion 30, which fits around the top offline main piston and completes the cylindrical Well. of the compression chamber at the opening 8, The depending portion 3() is grooved vlongitudinelly et 31 end it has segmental recesses 32 ,at oppositesides of the groove 31 to register With the laterally extending cylinders of the auxiliary pistons. The hinged door or closure is provided et iis edges with e suitable packing strip adapted to prevent the escupe of the ges during the compression stroke oli. the pistons. The rear wall of the'opening 8 und the rear edge of the hinged door or closure are beveled or inclined, as clearly shown in Fig. 6 oi' the drawings, so that the pecking is compressed when the hinged door or closure is forced to its seat. The hinged door or closure is locked in its closed position by o5 opposite transversely disposed levers Se, provided et their outer ends with heads or enlargements 35, which are pierced by' pivots 36. The pivots 36 are mounted in suitable beer-ing brackets 37, und the heads 35 have outer engaging portions or lingers 8S,vvl1ich extend through upper eyes or openings 39 of links 40. The links 40, which ere-located et opposite sides of the compression cheniber, are provided ut their lower ends with eyes 41, which .are linked into exterior-ly arranged eyes l2 of the side Wells of the compression chamber. The links muy be connected With the outer feces of the side Wells of `the compression chmnher in any suitable manner, und the inner erins oi the transverse locking levers 34 .are engaged with keepers 43, projecting from the upper fece of the hinged door or closure and pro lvided with upper or outer engaging pon tions, es clearly shown in Fig. G of the drawings. l When the hinged door or closure is 'unlocked it may he conveniently opened und ,closed by gearing comprising o vertically movuhle reel; har sift, operating in e vertical guide und ectuatedby a pinion 46 of horizontal shaft 47'. rlhe vertical guide, wl'iich is provided et opposite sides With.` spaced parallel flanges, extends downwardly `from e hr cket or attaching portion e8, which is suitably secured to the outer fede' of one of the side Wells ofthe compressioiii-I'A chamber. rEhe "bracket is provided with.

lio

spaced bearings/9 for the opereting shaft 130 el?, and the latter is equippedat its rear end with hand wheel 50. r"he upper end of the vertical movable rack bar del is connected hy a link l .with the hinged door or closure, and when the gearing is operated to raise 'the rack har7 the door or closure will ne opened. A reverse movement et' the rack har operates to close the door 28. rEhe link 5l', which is inclined when the door Q8 is closedv` is piwted at its upper end to the door at the contiguous side edge-thereof, and its lower end pivoted to the rack bar Lie. e

The barrel of the gun is provided at opposite sides with trunnions 52, journaled in suitable bearings 53 of pedestals or supports rising; from :i listed front section 55 or' a platform having a hinged rear section 5t?. The platform is designed to constitute a i' artion or a suitable mount or carriage,

wn may he ot any preferred construction and which in practice will be adjusted in ordinary nmnner for aiming the gun.4

The hinged rear section of the platform i permits a tine adjustment of the gun should the preliminary sighting be found tobe sligltly detective, and in order to obviate i i 'e resiohting or adjustment, the gun -f v tilted vertically by means ot' an ine extending downwardly and it one` of the side walls of the com ,oression chamber and having a threaded portion 58, extending through and engaging a threaded opening 5S) of a nut GO. The nut in the tor i of a lug and is provided -with curved attaching arms 61, secured to he. adjacent laterally extendingvcylinder, as clearly illustrated in 2 of the drawiny The upper end ot' 'the inciined shaft 57 is equipped with a hand Wheel 62, and its lower end secured in a et tie of a flange by a plate G6, or other suitable means. The l ,Y V l manga `74.''rom one of 4the ls laici pedestals or deriva and a limited, oscilla ie to coni'orni to movement of the barniort-ni the tilting rei or the Vl`he main. ongitudm nston l is connected ith au. upv.Y i r e` i i u1, liti Jy a Uil lel arm or upright unmally reciprocatory eueatli the gun barrel till i At

zin, f ri e tit) and in a troni he raclthar 1s pro- -.i e. unh longitudinal bottom and the rear and front l o e the dinges il,

is provided with a head 63,

and is preferably e provided at. opposite f I whereby the rack bar is inter-locked with the `guides. The rear guide is fixed to the hinged rear section of the hase or plattorm, andthe front guide TO is provided with horizontally projecting pivots i2, operating in vertical ways Til oit verticalguides T4. This construction permits a limited vertical movement oit thel front guide with relation to the base.

The rack bar (itl is provided at its upper edge or face with teeth l extending from he tront end oit the rack bar to a pointin tei-mediate ot' the ends thereof, and meshing with a motor actuated pinion 7G, adapted to communicate motion to the rack bar for reciprocating the pistons. r[he pinion" 7C is mounted on the shalt of a motor T6, which may be electrical or an)Y other desired construction, and the said motor TtiL is hung from the barrel ot the zuuu in order not to interfere with the limited up and down movement of the adjustment ot the gun through the shaft or screw 5T. The rack bar is provided at opposite sides at an intermediate point with teeth 7T, which mesh with horizontally disposed rear wheels TS for simultaneously rotating the same to actuate the auxiliary pistons, which are moved in opposite directions.. The gear wheels 78, which are located atopposite sides of the rack bar, are mounted on vertical stub shafts 79 and are provided with radial arms S0, projecting, beyond the pcripheries of the gear Wheels and connected by a pitnran 8ll with vertical arms or uprights S2 of transversely disposed slides 83. The slides S3, which are provided with bottom flanges 84, reciprocate in grooved guides 85, which are mounted upon the rear section of the base or platform, and which in practice may he suliciently loose to permit a limited upward and downward movement of the transverse slides so as not to interfere With the slight adjustment of the gun by means ot the screw 57. l

The-vertical arms or uprights are Con-l nected with the outer ends ofA the laterally movable auxiliary pistons, which are simul-v taneously moved inwardly and outwardly. lVhen the rack bar is moved rearwardly,

gas admitted at this time to the compression chamber under pressure, both the pres 'sure and the suction created through the outward movement of the piston operating Wardly, the pistons are moved inwardly, the inward movement of the lateral or aux iliary pistons continuing until their inner ends are brought in flush relation with the inner faces of the side walls of the compression chamber. The side teeth 77 'of the rack bar then disengage themselves from and move' forwardly beyond the horizontal the pistons are moved outwardly, and the Y to charge the compression chamber with 1' gas. Then the rack bar G8 moves for- 87 end ipeced eport to adapted to drop into engagement with the rear end 88 of the mein piston, when the latter reaches the limit oi its inward oi fineivaiii inoveinentu The mein oi" eoxiliafy s c breech block,

piston, which consu c thereby iecoiely loci'eci against outward. oi. 'lhe gi'zivity locking hecliweiii movement. pins 8G, Wl ich relieve the gearing of strain, pierce the top *well "ot the compression (.ihenilier, the bottom well is provided 'wi "i e 88E' to :receive the upright or elim T to peimit t e pieton to` move inivznxclly inco to carry its reel" e snliicient (li c ond the gravity acting locking pins. Any otliei suitable ineens, however, may be cniloloycd foi' locking the main piston insti outyei'fi 'oi' reziifivercl movement when the chai-go iQ4 eiipiofled,v The locking .fi hy I me linnn @they suitable i nston. i

mileris provided with :i tiunsveise pas conipieseon clnnnhei' to e point below the cenl'ei' oit the front. portion of the seine, and communicating with the compression chznnhei.' through :in uptight branch having n valve seat 90, closed during the compression strette he pistons and oy a f," vulve 91, which is opened automatilhe hereinafter described to cimit the' es to enten the coinpsfession "phllie, `,'esolene onothei' he c'mpioyff-,cl :tof pioducing an explosive iciiforin timid, but the gon lney be I :in explosive onyiothei siiitwhle character. ln the oi'ni of the inntion illustintecl the accompanying it a cuil'nnet is connected by a pipe 01 with the passage vThe can oir-feier co in its constinction e hoi.- zonlnily i'poscfi shell or casing 92, prrr vided with tzi'serefi enclpotions enel 9% emi homing; an in'teiioi i'nixing chenibe 95. "l e tepei'e. end poition necled hy a, suitable pipe 0G with en ai? tank for supplying e coment oiE fair ne.- clci niet i to the mixing' chemhei F? gerben i is current is el fioecl s ing oir' vertical pins 85, .mounted in clear the veiticel aim or upright 67, enel Well of the compiession sege Si), 'extending troni one siflo of the ocahon.

ie cow.

eeeeee the eelhmetei by ineens of horizontal pei'- titions 98 and 99, located et dierent eleva tionsl enti terminated successively short of eachother, es clearly'illusti'ated in Fig. 12 of the drawings. in Fig. 12 of the drew# .ings l li'ave'illnstmted two hoizontal portitions in 4ziilllition to the hot-toni of the mixing chomher. The horizontal partition 53 terminates short of one end oit lie loottom, enel the other horizonei peion 99 tern lnates shoz't oi one enel ot' the peitition 98. rhe gasolene from e supeimloweci tank 100 iS sprayed into the mixing cheniher by means of e plurality of pipes 101, having a ine bore or passage. The spiny pipes o1 tubes 101, which are bent into no proxiinately lJ-shape, .lieve their outer sides or limbs connected with e spreeiler 102, ano', the inner sides oi limbs of the tubes pierce the 4bottom et .the mixing chemhei. lhe tubes beyond the partitions and teiininzite a short distance above 'the bottoni of the mixing chamber and spiey the gesolene thereon.l Those pipes oi tubes having' their discharge ends e lying beyond the partition 9S) and between the sinne and the discharge ends 103 pierce the hoiizontel pcm tition 98 ami spray gasolene thereon. The discharge nozzles 105 of thel other tubes are those arranged between the discharge nozzles 104:, and the font tepeied portion 93 of the shell or casing enel they pierce che partition 99. Theconipieesecl sii 'from the tank 9T coininingles with the gosolen'e es it is sprayed. from the tubes or pipes 101, end the particulai' ai'in'ngement of the letter in connection with the horizontal partitions of the mixing chamber secures a. uniform end thorough mixing of the air and gesolene.

The spreader 102 consists of e horizontally clisposecl transversely tapeied casing, mounted. upon the shell or casing of the mixing chenibei' and having the cential portion 106 of its bottom arched, forming sicle grooves oi gutters 107 and adapted to cause the gesoiene clelivererl to the spreetlei' to run to each having their discharge ends 1025 Voir is mounted on suitable snppoite E110, tinged the adept the spreader and. ettecheii to the seme enel to the shell oi' Cesio@ o the niixin fche,znhoi. The so. e, r 1 ,Y v p ooms 1o eie oiov. ed et tne ton with trans i u i, 1 i i. vesseiy come@ fle 'geo seats 111 on which. oi hiervon 10G is seeiiieclo '109, which is rlllie tank or reservoir is preferably cylindrical, as shown, and is provided 'withv a suitable lilling orice 112, normally closed by a screw7 plu or capv 113. The outer tube ed, is provided with upper and lower openings 114.- and 115. The inner 'tube 108, which v,constitutes the movable member of the valve, is provided with upper and lower openings 116 and 11T, adapted 'to register alternately 'with vtbe openings 114 and 115. The inner tube 108 is provided at its upper end with a horizontally projecting l.shaped arm 118, and is normally held open to the-tank or reservoir and closed to the spreader by a lspring 119, connected at one end to the operating arm 118 and at the other end to the body portion ot a guide 120, having a horizontal slot 121 in which the arm.118 operates. lWhen the'4 movable mem- "ing 11G of tire j y .trom 4the upper opening or the outer 'valve to the spreader flows downward to eaclr' side of tbe raised or arched bottom and is delivered by the side grooves or gutters to the spray tubes. The pipe Q6 connecting the air tank with thecarbureter is equipped With a valve 122,

lia-ving'. a horizontally swinging arm 123, o

erst-ing in a slot 124 of a guide, 125 and connected with a spring 126, which normally maintains' the valve in its closed position. The spring is connected at one end to the arm 123 and at its other end to tlie body portion of. the ide 125. TheA guides 120 and 125 are suitably secured to the front section of the base or platform, but the arms of the gasolene and air controlling valves may be guided in any other suitable manner.' The air tank 97 is equipped with a suitable pressure gage 127, and is connected by-a' ipe 128 with an air pump or compresser not shown). It is 'also provided at the bottom with a drain cock 129 by means of which any pressure may be reduced, if desired.

The gasolene and air .valves are simultaneously operated in their opening movement by horizontal longitudinally disposed y rods 130 and 131, located atopposite sides of the gun and connectedwitbthe arm or upright G7 of the rack bar G8. The rear ends. of the operating rods 130 and 131are bent at right angles and extend to the a'rm or upright G7. The gasolene valve operating rod, 'which is mounted in front and rear guides 132 and 133, is located at the upper portion of the gun, and the connecting arm 131 inclines downwardly and inwardly, as clearly shown in Fig. et ol the' drawings.v The L-shaped arm horizontal portion and a depending vertical portion, which is engaged at its lower end by the rod 130. The front engaging end 135 of the operating rod 130 is enlarged to for-m a bead, which is beveled at the front and provided at the back with a shoulder. The beveled engaging head or portion of the rod 130 is adapted to pass the arm 118, the parts being suliciently loose to permit the front end of the operating rod to spring into engagement with the arm 118 after it has passed the same, whereby when the operating rod moves rearwardly, it will carry the arm 118 with it and open tlie measuring valve and permit the gasolene contained lWithin the same to flow mto the carbureter.

The operating rod 130 in its rearward movement passes and releases tbe arm 118, which is automatically closed by the spring 113.

The air valve operating rod 131'is pro- 90 vided at its front engaging end with an enlargement or bead 136, and the arm 123 is provided at its engaging end with an inclined upper face 137 and a beveled or inclined corner tace 138. The inclined upper face 137 extends downwardly and rearlWardly, and is arranged in the path of the engaging end of the operating rod 131, and the head or engaging portion 13G slides up the inclined face 13T and drops in thel operating arm, whereby the latter is engaged and is moved rearwardly by the rod 131 in the backward reciprocation thereof.

The beveledv or inclined corner face 138 per- Lmits the disengagement ofA the operating rod from the arm of tbe air valve at tbe proper time. The rod 131 operates in a suitable guide 139 Which supports the front portion o1 the said rod 131 and maintains the same in proper position for engaging the armv of the air valve.

The valve 91, which is vertically movable, is provided with a depending valve stem 140, extending through the bottom of tbe compression chamber and receiving a coiled U5 spring 111-1, interposed between the lower face of the bottom of the compression chamber and a pin 1112, or other suitable 'means carried by the valve stem. The spring is adapted to close the valve 91 automatically, .120

and the lower end of the stem is arranged 1n the path of au operating block or memberA 143, carried by the rack bar and extending longitudinally of the same and having an 1nclined upper face, adapted to engage and 125 lift the valve stem to open the va Ve 91. The valve operating yblock or member is tapered vertically and-horizontally, the Vertical taper forming the inclined upper face,y

which extends downwardly and rearwardly,

118 consists of an upper 70 front of 100 and the transverse taper providing an an# gularly disposed side face 144:. "When the molt bar moves rearwardly, the valve operating block er member 143 moves beneath the valve stem 140 and opens the valve 141, and when it passes the valve stem the valve is closed by the spring 1&1, which carries the lower end of the valve stem downward below the plane of the upper end of the inclined *face of the block or member 143, and when the raelr bar moves forward on the compression stroke of the pistons, the lower end of the valve stem engages theangularly disposed side face of the actuating block or member 1113, and moves the same laterally7 whereby the bloei; or member 11123 in the forward movement of the rack bar is permitted to pass the valve without opening the same. The block or member is pivotecl near .its front end upon a support 145 by a pin lit-(.l and it is maintained in proper position for engatgfingr the stem 140 of the valve 91 by a spring 147, The support consists of a horizontal plate, provided at the front portion With a flange 1118, to which one end of the spring 14T is secured. The free end ot the spring bears against the adjacent side of the block or member 143 in rear of the pivot 146 and urges the block or member laterally,l

such lateral movement being limited by a stop .l-5), projecting upward from the snpport lit-5 and operating in a reoess 15() of the block or member 143. The gasolene and air valves and the inlet valve of the compression chamber of the gun are sinuiltaneouslj,7 opened duringr the rearward movement of the rack bar, and the inlet valve is maintained in suoli open posit-ion lvntil the pistons reach the limit of their nttward movement, when it is auton'latii'rally closed to confine the earburet'ed air within the #empression chamber.

The gun is tired by the closing: ot' the cir-` cuit in which the spart; plugT .32 is placed. The spark plug', which mounted in a transverse opening` ll in one ol the walls ot' the Compression chamber7 equipped with spam d terminals 152. and when the eirenitis closed ay current of sutlirient strength is passed through thespark plug to jump the space between the. terminals ,152 and thereby produce a spark for igniting the compressed fas Within the gun for tiring the latter. ln stead of using a spark plug, the #barge may be exploded eleetrieally'by means ol a cap or cartridge, or any other suitable means.

The Wires lil and l5 l, whirh are oonneeted with a dynamo or other ysuitabltl soureeof supply of elretriral energy. extend to upper and lower spat-,od contat-t pointsl or terminals i553 and lt. mounted in a suitable support, 157 and arranged in the path ol' a tiring or Contact rod 158. oxtendiner longitudinally ot the gun and eountwted at its rear end by a transverse portion lif) with tho eeaeea .upright armo? of the rack bar G8. The

Contact or firing rod 158 is supported in a Y' guide 160, mountedV on the adjacent transverse cylinder Q5, and adapted to maintain 155 and 156 are preferably' in the Jform oli binding screws or iosts7 and the .front end 4161 o the rod 158 is flattened and is adapted to extend between and Contact 'with the terminals 155 and 156 for closing the eirouit. TWith. this equipment the tiring of the gun is automatic after a shell or projectile has been placed in4 the barrel, the operation being controlled. by the motor for actuating the rack baru instead of firing the gun autoe matieally, a suitable switch or posh button (not shown) may be employed for closing the spark plug circuit from any convenient point. The tripping arm 20 is adjnstably mounted on the gasolene valve operating rod 130, and is arranged to el'eet a complete release of the locking pin at the instant the eontaet is made between the spaced terminals or Contact points 155 and 155. After tiring a projectile the main piston is released and is moved outwardly or `rearwardly, the operating rods 130 and 131 being held away from the arms of the valves 108 and 122 by hand or any other suitable means, so that the said valves will not open during such rearward moi't'an'ent. rlthe door at the compression Chamber of the gun is then opened and a projectile introduced into the barrel of tlfr gun, alter which the main piston is moved forwardly to the limit of its inward movement. The door olf the compression chamber then closed and the gun is ready for automatic operation in the manner heretofore explained.

A. gas meter 1(52 of any prelierret'il oonslruetion ls designed to be eonueetod with the pipe 91"* fior registering the amountof gas passing into the Compression ehember ol tht` valve. rthe gun equipped with suitable oil rups ltfl and ltlfl.y mounted on the hinged door or Closure and on the l'aterally extending cylinders and adapted to lubrieate the main and auxiliary pistons.

Having thus fully described my invention, what l claim as new and desire to seeu're by imiters Patent, iszw l. lin a gas gun, the combination with abarrel, ot" means tor holding a projectile, in the bore of the barrel, means for supplying the barrel with a charge. ot explosive aerilorm `fluid, mechanism iliovable within the bore ot' the barrel ior compres-ang the (charge between it and the projectile, and moans 'lor exploding the charge.

2. In a gas gun, the eomliination with a barrel, of means for holding a projectile in the bore ot the barrel.I means -for supplying the barrel with a charge of explosive aeriorm fluid, a piston operating within the roo bore of the barrel and arranged to compress theI charge bet-Ween it and the said projectile, and means for exploding the charge.

3. In a gas gun, .the combination with a barrel, of means for holding aV projectile in the bore of the barrel, neans for supplying the barrel with a charge of explosive aeriA form tluid, a plurality of pistons arranged to compress the charge, one of the pistons being reciprocatable within the bore of the barrel in rear of the projectile.

et. In a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, of means for holding a projectile within the bore of the barrel, means for supplyingl the barrel with acharge ot aeriforni Huid, and a plurality of pistons arranged to compress the charge and simultaneously operating in angular relation, one of the pistons being rcciprocatable in the bore of the barrel in rear of the projectile.

5. In a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, of means for holding a projectile within the bore of the barrel. means t'or sup plying the barrel with a charge of explosive aeritorm tluid, and a plurality oi pistons -arranged to simultaneously compress the charge and having -ditierential strokes, one, of said pistons operating in the bore ot tho barrel in rear ot the projectile.

6. In a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, of means for holding a projectile within the barrel, means for supplying the barre.l with a charge of explosive aeriit'orn. iiuitl and a plurality of pistons mounted on and carried by the barrel and arranged to simultaneously compress the charge and disposed in angular relation and having dii:- ferential strokes, one of the pistons" operati! ing in the bore of the barrel in-rear ofthe projectile and movable toward the same.

T. ln a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, means for sup'jvljin'g tlre"saine\1\'fith a charge of explosive aeriform tluid; or" a plurality ot' pistons disposed inangular relation and having diti'erential strokes for compressing the charge, one of the pistons being. movable .past the other.

8. [n a gasgun, the combination witha barrel, and inean's for supplying the saine witha' charge of explosive aeritorni fluid, of a pair ot pistons arranged to compress the charge and disposedin angular relation and having differential strokes, one of the pistons being movable past the other, and the latter beingdisposed in flush relation with the former during such movement.

9, In a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, and meansfor supplying the same with a charge of explosive gas, of a reciprocatory piston movable inwardly to compress the charge, a device-for locking the piston against outward movement, and means for exploding the charge.

10. In a gas gun, thecombination. with a barrel, and means for supplying the same with a. charge ot' esplosive gas, of a piston reciprocatable longitudinally of the barrel and movable in yardly to compress the charge and forming a breech block, an ,automatic device arranged to loclt'the piston at the limit oi its inward movement, and means tor exploding the charge..

ll. ln a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, and means for supplying the same with. a charge oi" explosive gas, of a piston movable inwardly with respect to the bar-Y rel to compress rthe charge, and a gravhj acting locking device located above the piston and arranged to engage the same at the limit of its inward movement to lock the piston against outward movement when the charge is -exploded, and means for exploding the charge;

l2. [n a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, and means for supplying the saine with a charge ot' explosive gas, of a piston movable inwardly to compress the charge, a pair of spaced locking pins loeated above and arranged to drop in rear oit the piston to loclr the same'agaiiist outward movement, and means connected with the piston and operating in the space between the locking pins for moving the piston inwardly and outwardly.

' l3 In a gas gun, the combination with a barrel, and means for supplying the saine with a charge ofexplosive gas, of mechanism for con'ipressing the charge, a pro- 'jectile having an annular' groove, and a locking device carried by the barrel and arranged to engage with `the groove forl holding the projectile in place while charge is being compressed.

14'. In a gas gun the combination ot :i barrel having means for detaehably holding a projet-tile within its-bore. in spaced reli with the inner vend of the barrel, means er supplying a charge of aeriform explosive liuid to the space between the projectileV and the inner end of the barrel, and means movable in rear of the projectile in the 'said space between the same and the inner end of theba rrel to' compress the charge.

' l5. In a' gas gun, the combination with a barrel, of means .tor holding a projectile within the bore of the barrel in spaced lrelation with the inner end thereof and including a soft metal band arranged to be coinpressed within thebore to form ain air tight connection, means for supplying a charge oi explosive gas to the barrel, and mechanism movable in the bore of the barrel within the said space for compressing the charge.

16. In a gas gun, the combination with a barrel. and means for supplying the same with a charge of explosive gas, of a prorjeetile provided with an annular groove and having a soft metal band arranged in rear of the groove and adapted to be 'compressed within the barrel to form an air tight con naciion, mechanism fbi' compressing the (charge, and a locking device carried by the barrel and engaging lle groove for holding die projecilf: against outward mom-eni while dm charge is being compressed,

l. in a, gua gun, combinatin with a barrel, nml mmm; for supplying die sama willi n charge o' exijilosiife, gas, cf i pr@- jectile, mechanism jaar compressing.; lli@ allarga within a barrel5 2L locking cleric@ im. balding lli@ prfijectile against ouwarfl ii'ioven'iciit while die charge isv being csmprQSSmL and means for simultaneously exploding; tlm Charge and .releasing the. shell.

1S, lu gus gun, the coliibinalion with :i barrel, and mams for supplying the sama will) :i Charge (if @Xploive gas, of machaiiism for 05min-@sang Lilie, charge, a lacking pin 'arrifcl by lli@ barrel nml movable in- 'nx-(lly and outwardly :xml engaging the Shell lio hold ha Same against#outward movemiit While 'Llw Charge is lmiug rompressed, means for exploding the Clirge zuid for siiiiullizmenusly moving the pin out- Ymrlfll in rlaug@ lli@ projectile.

1S). 111,1: gun, 'flic combinatmn of a barrel prmidrfl with :i comprQSSioi chamber nml having mi opening cmmm'ncaiig tlierowili, :i rlrmm'a for tlm saliti opening, mmm for Suivi ing si charge of axpesivfe,

to -zw cmiipmsioi chamber., :mill :i piston operating in Clie said chamber lo compresa the charge,

20. in a gn gun, the Combination 0f :i barrel pre1/idc with L (xmipressiou chamber :uid having mi Opening Communicating liercwitli :i Glasur@ for the mid opening3 means for supplying a Charge uf explosive gas to ih@ coi'rxprssifm chamber, and u. pistou opraing in the Said chamber to compres; the clim Se and movable iiiwamly to a point myomi 1li@ ripening and the said closure to relieve, the mme of pressm@ incident to the discliarff of liglm.

21. ln a gm; gun, the coi'ribiiiaf'cimi of zi barrel provided wili a comprossimi clmmber und having mi opfzning communicating; therewith, u' closure for the said opening, means for Supplying a charge of explosive gus tu the @mimi-@Saxion chamber, a piston operating in lli@ said chamber to compres flic rlizirgr, 21ml movable inwardly to u point lxxjvrmfl i'ln opening and the sairl'closure )lo rvllm' lw snm@ of pressure incideii tuklie discharge 01 the gun, mid means for locking;` fhg: pision againstouward movement 9,2.- lii n, tas gun, barrel provhlrcl :it the breech with a man prossimi rlmmlwr und having am opening; cmmmmicnting therewith to perfii :L shell m: projectile i0 lic place in ih@ lszirrl. duur 'for calming tlm said Opening, :i recipronnt'fuy pirtfm Operating in the rmiipree'SiOn chamber :m through the rear @sul of tlie the combinatimi of ai compu U .eliminar/rf, l'imgewl closure con'iprassmg a allarga of gais liorimn'ml shaft lmvimr omi-an@ P1 @gli and mfivalile inwnrclly t@ compress 'irhargg and means counseled with the and o the pistmi for grieratii'ig the in a gr@ gun, l'i uombinaimi 01E a Charge and outwardly in vrome-:i smzimi to in drawing lie clmrgr: into lli@ com pression. clizm'iner.

"In n gris gun, 'ille sfmilwina'i-fm (rl, a barrel herring; a @mimi-@wiwi liamlier uml proxf'iilerl wi v in @pourri v 'fr the inaroluc timi 0i: a Shall or proj@ lf3, iii climiism l'm zz, chargez o gais W' .liin lli@ i lilie :will @pasil- -.ng, a liiifllii'g lever mounted mi the Closure, a link Qomwcml r-,Xeriorly Willi les and engagel by alie (mixer cud of lle lever, and i lfeaper nioxmml im tlm Closurc for engaging; 'ilu-x inner wrimi of lie laver.

ii a gun., 'lle coi'iiliinatifiri 0 :1 barrial l1: "ing r cvum'p'lssioii chambr imfl prf/widen Nidi mi (.wgjmning, mechanism .for

ml., gi closure for aliesziirl opening, oppofiit rzixicsvcrg@ lacking levers pix'olizzllydimiintml on. lli@ closure. :md having outer engaging pfuioim links @imaging will; the Quitar @mls of flic levers :unl @murcia-xl Witli *che lim-rel, :md keepers mmm'ell. nu 'll-,ie rloure and mi rank-gell to lic engaged, by lllie inner portioiir; of the locking lrvrS.

25. 'ln gas grin -lm sombinal'ion or' :1, barrel lim/ing :i comprosfiozi rlmiixlier :mil prow/Marl with un opening, compres ing; :i charge n? ,gas within Ulmmlmn :l hinge@ clwsnrr for tlm. smil upon; i M ami means fm: swimming" *alle ulomr ZYJN :i gas gun? lwcmiilximil'io'i 0i' :i barrel haring i compression cli-millier mill. lirm'idwl willi mi opening, mechanism fur comprnssng :i lim-ge, clmn'ilwr7 n liingml closure 'fC-i alie said opening" sind nieuwe for mp0, ailing-f the closure incliidigig; ruck bur, grtiring l rciprocatiug; tlw rack bmx, und :i luik plvoaliy connected witlrtlie rack lmr and wtlitlie closure.,

28. in a gus guia? lli@ combination 0i barrel haring mi opening, :i hinged msm-2. for llicsamm :i vorlicsxlly nmvzilvle muli; lim@ :m incline@ linic iiiroally miiiiecfi willi. the rack our nml willi lli@ clnsurmnncl a, imams,

and pinimi rfuriefl by tlw lmit 21ml m95liingq with the rack liar'.

ln gmx, Lime fsf'miliimtion of :l ai: illu lop willi un opening,

wi tliiii 'the bar gas within tlm u ing .vith the racl;

[ceases a vertical guide arranged at one side ot the barrel and provided with bearings, vertical reciprocatable raclt bar cnerating in the necting the rack bar Ywith the hinged closure.

30. ln a gun, the combination-of a barrel having a compression chamber and iprovided with an' auxiliary cylinder communicating with the com Jression chamber a main piston operable in Athe compression barrel hav g provided with ploded.

chamber to compress a charge of explosive au auxiliary piston cooperating with 'the main piston, and gearing for actuating the said i l tons.

In a gas gunE the ,combination ot' a a compression chamber and an auxiliary cylinder comviunicating with the compression chamber, a main piston operating in the compression chamber, an auxiliary piston operating in the cylinder, and gearing for simultaneously moving the pistons inwardly and outwardly.

ln a gas gun, the combination or" abarrel havin@A a compression chamber and provided with an auxiliary cylinder communicating therewith` a main piston oper-y ating in the compresion chamber, an auxiliary piston operating in the cylinder, and gearing for inmfing thtl pistons inwardly and outwardly, said gearing including means for stopping the inward movement of the auxiliary piston and for advancing the main piston beyond the auxiliary piston.- V In a gas gun, the combination ofv a barrel having a compression chamber provided with a cylinder connnunicating therewith, ,a main piston operating Vin the compression chamber, an auxiliary piston operating in the auxiliary cylinder and arranged in tlush relation with the inner Wall of the compression chamber and completing the said inner Wall when at thel limit of its in- Ward movement. said main piston being movable inwardly toja point, beyond the auxiliary pinten and constituting a breech block and adapted to ris-,lieve th auxiliary piston of pressure when a charge,- isI extor operated gear ior actuating the rack bar. t

35. ln a gas Guin the combination of a i i b barrel having a compression chamber, a'vlongitudinal piston movable inwardly and' outwardly in the said chamber to compress a charge or explosive aeriform fluid, a rack bar located beneath the barrel and connect-- ed' with the rear end of the piston, and means for actuating the racl: bar.

3G. In a gas gun, the combination. of a barrel havinga compression chamber and provided Wit i a laterally extending cylinder communicating With the compression chamber, a main longitudinal piston opeiatingI in the compression chamber, a laterally movable auxiliary piston operating in the cylinder, a longitudinal rack bar located beneath the barrel and connected with the main piston, and gearing meshing with the rack bar for actuating the auxiliary piston.

37. In av gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber and provided With a laterally extending cylinder Communicating with the compression chamber, a main longitudinal piston operating in the-compression chamber, a laterally movable auxiliary piston operatingy in the cylinder, a longitudinal rack bar located beneath the barrel and connected with the main piston, a gearmeshing with the rack bar, and means for communicating motion from the gear to the auxiliary piston.

38.111 a gas gun, the combination of a balrelfhaving a compressionchamber and provided with al laterally extending cylinder communicating With the 'compression chamber, a main longitudinal iston operating in the compression chamber, a later ally movable auxiliary piston operating in the cylinder, a longitudinal rack bar located beneath the barrel and connected with the main piston, a slide carrying the auxiliary piston, a. gear meshing with the raclt bar and a pit-man pivoted to the slide and eccentrically connected with the gear.

39 In a gas gum the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber and provided with a laterally extending cylinder communicating with the compression chamber, a main vlongitudinal piston operating in the compression chamber, a laterally movable auxiliary piston operating in the cylinder, a longitudinal rack bar located beneath the barrel and connected with the main piston, a slide having an arm connected with the auxiliary piston, a gear meshing with the rack bar, and means for communicating 'motion from the' gear to the slide.

0. ln a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber and provided with a laterally extending cylinder communicating With the compression Chamb fr, a main longitudinal piston operating in the compression chamber, a laterally movable auxiliary' piston operating in the cylinder, a longitudinal rack bar located beneath the barrel and connected With the main piston, a transverse guidei a Slide reciprocating in the guide and connected with the axiliary piston, a gear meshing With the rackbar, and a pitman 'connecting the gear with theslide.

lbarrel having ally' extending'` cy the combination of a ression chamber, later: inders communicatingwth the compression chamber, `a main longitudinal piston operating' in the compression cham er, -a pair of laterally movable pistons operating in the said cylinders, a rack bar located beneath the barrel and connected with the'mainl piston, a motor actu- 41. In a 'gas gun,

a com ated gear meshing with the rack bar-for rethe` limit ofvits inward ating in the' cylinder. and provided with a concave inner end arranged in flush relation with thel inner Wallv of the compression chamber and completing the same when at mechanism for actuating the pistons.

4:3. In a gas gun, the combination of a barrel rovided with a compression chamber and) having an auxiliary cylinder communicating. therewith, a main piston Aoperating in the compression chamber, an auxiliary piston operating in the cylinder, and mechanism ing means for advancing the main piston beyond the auxiliary piston and for moving the auxiliary piston in Hush relation with the wall of the compression chamber before the main piston has passed it to revent gas rom being pockcted in the auxi iary cylin- 44. In.a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber and provided with an auxiliary cylinder communicating with the compression chamber,

a main piston operating in the compressionchamber, an auxiliary piston operating in the cylindena. rack bar connected with the means for actuating the rack main piston, bar, and gearing meshing with the raclcbar` for communicating motion tothe auxiliary piston, the teeth of the rack bar being ar ran ed to move the auxiliary piston 'inward 1n ush rel-ation with the'wallof the compression' chamber and being ,carried lbeyond the gearing to prevent. further movement of the auxiliary piston when theiatterreaclies such position.

45. In a gas gun,

barrel havinvfa com ression lchamber and provided with lateral y. proyecting auxiliary cylinders communicating jivith the f-.coinpresjv 4 a main long itiimuji,pistoni.'

sion cfiimilisfof operating 1K1 th? Compressione-hamm -f `iliary pistons operating iiiof gas,

for actuating the pistons includf gas to and y the combination witli a inlet valve 'gas' .toand; for' preventing thel escapel the said cylinders, a longitudinal rack bar connected with the main piston and provided at opposite sides with series of teeth, means for actuating the rack bar, and gearing meshing with the sideteeth for communicating motion to the auxiliary pistons, the series of side teethl being of a length to move the auxiliary pistons inward in flush relation with the opposite walls of the compression chamber and arranged to be carried beyond the gearing to prevent further inward movement of the auxiliary pistons.

46. In a gas gun,'the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber, means for supplyingV a charge of explosive as to the said chamber, a piston movable inwardly and outwardly and adapted to compress the charge, mechanism for actu ating the piston, an inlet valve controlling the admission of gas' tothe compression chamber and adapted to prevent tlieesca'pe and means for automatically opening the inlet valve on the 'outward movement of the piston and for closing the valve on the inward or compressionstroke of-thepiston. v

In a gas gun, barrel having -a com ression chamber, an inlet valve for controlling the admission of gas tov andfor preventing the escape of the same from the .compression chamber, a is` ton operating in the compression cham er, reciprociitory means for a'ctuatingthe isw ton, and a valve operating device carried? by the said means. 1 i j 48. In a gasl gun, ythe combination of a barrel having'a co inlet valve for controlling the admission of gasto and orpreventingtlie escape .of the'l same from the compression chamber, a pis! ton operating. in the'compression chamber, reciprocatory means for actuating the pis ton, and a tapered or wedge-shaped memberl carried by the reciprocat'ory means and'aijfranged to opentlie valve during' the out-fil wardv movement of they piston.

49.. In a gas gun, the combination 'of a f barrel having a compression chamber, an inlet valve for controlling the admission of for preventing the escape of. the same from the compression chamber, a pis ton operatingin the reciprocatory means or wedge-shaped member the combination of 'a 'pression chamber, an'

los

compression chamber, l

carried by the-reciprocatory means and arranged to open the valve during the out-y ward movement of the piston and movable away from the valve on the inward or com -pression stroke of the piston.

50.111 a gas gun, the combinationcf a barrel having a compression' chamber an cijtli vforcontrolling the admission, of l,

. sainefrom" th compression chamberfavpis l.

ncrv menne foraeiztnating the pisandV inevebly mounted epered or :ed meinller carried 'oy-the recip- Y-atory in 3 and arranged to open the valve on the or Aver-:l movement of the piston and prese iting an engularly disposed falce to the vulve and adapted to be moved ont of line with. the sinne during the i 1r.vard

movement of the piston.

' 5lt Ine gas gun, the combinatlon of a borrel nzivlng e conmression chamber, an in let valve for controlling the admission of was to and for preventing the escape oit' the seme from the compression chamber, e piston operating 'in the compression chamber, recpro 1ero-ry niet is for actuating the piston, :1nd e movably niminted tapered or wedgesheped member carried by the reciprocetorj.' means and arranged to open the vulve on the oruwerd movement of the piston and presenting an engulnrly disposed ffice to the vvulve and adapted to be moved out of line with the seme during the inward movement of the piston, L spring engaging the movable member for normally maintaining the une in position fr' engaging the vali/en and e, stop for limiting the movement of the ,Inner 'when the sanne is actuated by the *bg t.

in s gern the combination ot n barrelhevnig i compression chamber, e plsf.:oni )ressing e charge of gus 1n the ton i scid chamber, e reciprocatory rack bar connected with the piston, means for actuating the roel; bnr for operating the piston, an inle. valve for controlling the ndmission of ges to th compression chamber, end a device ear t by the rec-lr bar and arranged to open. ne verve.

in nr, the combination of e barrel hdvn i inpression chamber, a pis- 'for cmnpres., ,ig charge of gns'in the :und chenille reciprocatm'v rack bnr connected nh tue piston, means for actuating the pereting the piston, en niet itrollmg the nlnnssion of ession chan'iber,7 n spring vulve normally closed, and by the reel; bnr and ar- Le vu,`

the ccmiblnetion of a ipression chamber, a piscoinpr ig-r n charge of gus in the i niber. a i ciprocetory rack bar conetl with the piston,l means for actuating For operating the piston, :in incontrollir-,g` rhe hdini i n of comme n chamber-a spring for die valve normally closed, ende f -.Liped devi o eargried by the rack bar niingg en inclined foce to the valve ,lie combination oit a lsion chamber, pis

ton operetin in the compression chamber, ton operating in the chamber to compress l a charge of explosive gas, an automatically closeblc spring actuated inlet valve 'for controlling the admission of gas to the compression chamber and 'for preventing` the esci peV of the same therefrom, seid valve having,- a stem depending from the barrel, n reciprocatory ruck bar located beneath the barrel and 'connected with the piston7 and a device carried by the rack bar and arranged to open the vulve on the outward movement of the piston and being` yieldingly mounted and arranged. to poss the valve Without opening the salire on the inward or compression stroke of the pistonA 5G. In i ges gun. the combination of a.

barrel. provided with a compression chiunbcr, a cerbureter communicnting with the compression (,huznber n piston mo y'able inwardly and outwardly in the compre sion chamber, means for nutonmtically dellvering e quantity ol. hyiulrocarbon lo the cnrbureter and for forcing the current of air through the lutter during the outward movement. ot' the piston, and u vulve Jfor confining the cerbureted nir within the compression chamber during the inward movement of the piston. y

57. ln a gas gumthecombinationofaberrei havingl compression ol'iumber, n piston movable -inwardly and outwardly in `the said chamber, e. carburetor commlmicating with the compression chamber, a lrvdrocarbon reservoir communie ting with the czfrlmroter`r a compressed air supply connected with the vcnrlmreter und valves connected with the bureter, ineens for opening 'the said valves during the outward movement of the piston, and means for closing them when the piston moves inward to compress e charge.

59. In n gas gun, the combination of a barrel having :L compression chamber, a piston movable inwardly and outwardly in the said chamber, e csirbureter communicating with the compression chamber, e hydrocarbon reservoir communicating with Jche carburetor, a compressed nir supply connected with the carburetor, valves connectedv with the hydrocarbon reservoir and with the cornvpresided nir supply for controlling the passage of the hydrocarbon and air to the carbureter, and means connected with the piston for automatically opening theV valves during the-outward movement of the said piston. y l

60. In a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber, a piston movable inwardly and outwardly in'the said chamber, a carburetor communicating with the compression chamber, a hydrocarbon reservoir communicating with the carbureter, a` compressed air supply connected 4with the carbureter, valves connected with the hydrocarbon reservoir and with the compressed air supply for controlling the passage of the hydrocarbon and air to thecarbureter, means connected with the piston for automatically opening the valves during the outward movement of the saidv piston, and means for automatically operating the valves to maintain the same in a closed position 'duri-ng the inward movement of.

the piston.

61. In agas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber, a piston movable inwardly and outwardlyin the vsaid chamber, a carburetor communicating valves during the outward movement of the piston. 62. In a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber, a piston movable inwardly and outwardly in the said chamber, a car ureter communicating with the compression chamber, a hydrocarthe carbureter, valves for controlling the boh reservoir communicating with the carwith the carburetor, valves connected with bureter, a compressed air supply .connected the hydrocarbon reservoir and with the compressed air supply for controlling the passage of the hydrocarbon and air to the carburetor, operating rods reciprocating with the piston and arranged to open the valves during they outward movement of the piston,

and springs for automatically closing the 63. In av gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a 'compression chamber, apiston moving inward and outward in the compression chamber, a carbureter connected witlrthe compression chamber, a hydrocarbon reservoir connectedwith the carbureter, a compressed ai-r supply alsoconnected with passage of the hydrocarbon and the air to .the carbureter, said valves having operating l5-a1l."nl1s, and reciprocatory rodsconnetedfyv'ith.v (iS-In a ceases the piston and 4provided with means for operating the valves. I l -64. lna gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a compression chamber, apiston movino` inward and outward in the compression Ydliainber, a carbureter connected with the compression chamber, a hydrocarbon reservoir connected with the carburetor, a compressed air supply also connected with the carburetor, valves for controlling the passage of thehydrocarbon and' the air to the carburetor, said valves having operating arms, reciprocatory rods connected with the iston' and providediwith means for engagin'g the arms of the valves to open the latter on the outward stroke ot the piston, and springs for automatically closing the valves. 65. In a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having-a compression chamber, a piston movable inwardly and outwardly in the compression chamber, a carbureter communicating with the compression chamber for supplylng a charge of explosive as, ahydrocarbon reservoir connected wit the carbureter, a compressed air supply also connected with thecarbureter, valves for con` trolling the passage of the hydrocarbon and the compressed air to the carbureter, said valves' having horizontally movable arms,

guiding means for the arms, springs for automatically closing the valves, and `operatino rods connected with the piston and proopen the valves on the outward stroke of the iston. 1 i

66. In a gas gun, the combination o a barrel having a compression chamber, a piston moving into Aand out of the compression chamber, a carburetor communicating with the compression chamber for supplying' a charge of explosive gas, a hydrocarbon resi ervoir connected with the carburetor, a supply otcompressed air also connected with the carbureter', valves for controlling the passage of hydrocarbon and the compressed air to the carburetor, a check valve for confining the gaswithin the compression chambel, means for opening the valves during the outl ward movement of the piston.

67. In a gas gun, the combination-of a barrel having a compression chamber, a pisded with means for engaging the arms to v las I ton moving mto and out of the compression',

chamber, a carburetor communicating witlif.'

the compression chamber for supplying al charge of explosive gas, a hydrocarbon reservoir connected wit-h the. carburetor, sup-` ply of compressed air also connectedwit-r the carbureter, 'valves for `controlling the passageof hydrocarbon and the compressedair to the carbureter, a ycheck valve for confining the gas within the compression cham-l ber, and means moving with the piston for opening the valvesduring the outward movey .v

ment of thegsaid piston. 4 as gap, :the combination of" a* barrel having a compression chamber, piston movable inwardly and outwardly' in the compression chamber, a :arbureter .communicatingbIr with the compression chamber for supplying,l a charge of explosive gas to the same, a hydrocarbon reservoir connected with the carburetor, a compressed air supply also connected with the carbureter. valves vfor controlling the -ow ot the hydrocarbon and compressed air to thev carburcter, a check valve for confining the `gras Within the compression chamber, operating rods reciprocating with the piston and provided with means for opening the valves of the hydrocarbon reservoir and the air supply when the piston moves outn'arth and reciprocatory means also connected with the said piston for opening' the check valve to permit the carburcted air to enter the compression chamber during the outward movement of thepiston.

69. In a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having a` portion of its bore forming;- a compression chamber, means for holding a projectile in the bore of the barrel at the front end of the compression chamber, means for supplying a charge of explosive gas to the compression chamber, mechanism movable 'Within the bore of the barrel and locatc at the rear of said projectile "for compressing the charge, and an electric circuit including circuit closing means, and means for ignhing the charge within the compression chamber.

70, In a gas gunv` the combination ot a barrel having a portion of its bore forming a compression chamber. means tor holdingr a projectile in the barrel at the front end of the compression chamber. means for supplying a charge of explosive to the said chamber, mechanism movable Within the bore ot the barrel for compressing the charge within the said chamber, and an electric circuit including a spark plug' for igniting the charge, and means operated by the compression mechanism for closing the circuit.

ceases 71. .ln a gas gun, the combination with a barrel having a compression chamber, and l means for supplying a charge ot explosive gras to the same, 'of a piston operating in the I chamber to compress the charge, an electric circuit including means for exploding the charge Within the compression chamber, t and spaced terminals or contacts, and a circuit closing device movable With the piston and arranged to engage the terminals or contact points for closing the circuit..

72. In a kas 2aun, the combination with a barrel having a compression chamber` and means for supplying a charge of explosive `as to the said.chamber, ot a piston for compressing the charge in the said chamber, a reciprocatotv circuit closing' device movi able with the piston, and an electric circuit including* means for ifi-citing the charge within the compression chamber, and spaced l contacts arranged in the path ot1 the circuit closing device.

73. in a gas gun, the combination of a barrel having,Y a compression chamber, a piston reciprocating in ther compression chamber, means for supplying a chargent eX- plosive gas to the compression chamber,` a valve for controlling the passage of gas to the compression chamber, means moving with the piston for opening:r the valve during,l the outward stroke of the said piston, an electric circuit including nieans for igniting the charge, and spaced contacts,` and a device also moving with the piston and arranged to close the circuit during the inward movement of the said piston to 'explode the charge on thc compression stroke.

74. ln a gas cnn, the combination of a barrel having' a compression chamber, a piston reciprocating inthe compression lchamber, l a carburetor communicating with the compression chamber, a hydrocarbon reservoir connected with the carbureter, a compressed air supply also connected with the carburetor, valves for controlling the passage of hydrocarbon and compresscigl air to the carburetor, means moving' with the piston for owninggthe valves during the outward strolteot the. said piston, an electric circuit including means' :tor igniting the explosivo `gas Within the compression chamber, and spaced contacts', and an electric circuit closing' device movingA with the piston and arranged to engage the contacts for closing the circuit during the inward or compression stroke of the piston.

75. ln a gas gan, thc combination ot a barrel having a conxpression chan'iber, a piston reciprocating in the said chamber, a carburetor com'municatinon with the compression chamber, a hydrocarbon reservoir connected With the carl'iureter. a compressed air supply also connected with the carburetor, valves for controlling the passage of hydrocarbon and the air to the carbnreter, a valve for controlling the passage of the carbuieted air to the compression chamber, means moving' with the piston for opening` the said valves during the outward movement ot the said piston, an electric circuit including means 'for ignition* the explosive Ams Within the compression chan'ibcr, and a circuit closing device moving With the piston and arranged to close the circuit duringr the inward or compression stroke ci the said piston.

76. in a aas gun, the combination of a base or platform composed ot a fixed front section. and a hinged rear section, a barrel pivotall;7 mounted on the front section and having a compression chamber, a piston reciprocating` ini' the compression chamber. mechanism for reciprocating the piston guided on the said sections ot the base or platform and having removable connections 

